World Baseball Classic Morning Recap: Italy continues its historic run and Venezuela knocks off the defending champion

"After securing the biggest victory in their program's history, beating the superpower United States and going undefeated in Pool play, Italy continued its dominance, punching its first-ever ticket to the World Baseball Classic semi-final. In a do-or-die game, the Italian bats were simply too much to handle for a potent Puerto Rican pitching staff that had been the best in the tournament heading into play on Saturday."

"To start the game, Puerto Rico threw their best starting pitcher at Italy, with former Cy Young runner-up Seth Luego taking the bump. He was given an early 1-0 lead thanks to a Willi Castro home run, though he immediately surrendered four runs and completed just one out before being removed from the game."

"Vinnie Pasquantino, Dominic Canzone, and Jac Caglianone all collected singles in the bottom of the first, plating three runs early, with J.J. D'Orazio bringing home the fourth run that would knock Lugo out of the game on a sacrifice fly. Italy had Sam Aldegheri on the mound and, after mowing through Brazil's lineup in Pool play, looked to quiet an already depleted Puerto Rican lineup."

Italy advanced to the World Baseball Classic semi-finals for the first time in program history by defeating Puerto Rico in a quarterfinal matchup. The Italian offense overwhelmed Puerto Rico's previously dominant pitching staff, scoring eight runs by the fourth inning. Italy's bats struck early, with Vinnie Pasquantino, Dominic Canzone, and Jac Caglianone collecting singles in the first inning to plate three runs. Puerto Rico's starting pitcher Seth Luego, a former Cy Young runner-up, was removed after recording just one out. Italy's offensive explosion continued in the fourth inning when multiple walks and a double by Andrew Fischer extended their lead to 8-2, demonstrating the team's unprecedented offensive run throughout the tournament.

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